The 2023 Simpson Desert Challenge… a life-changing adventure!

For nine days in May, in what is the ultimate Australian adventure challenge, bold Youngcare supporters conquered harsh weather conditions and endless sand dunes whilst trekking approximately 225km across the Simpson Desert – from Birdsville to the Poeppel Corner where the Queensland, New South Wales and South Australian borders meet.

Right at the heart of Australia, the Simpson Desert is a vast, rugged landscape with harsh weather and endless horizons. Normally a 4WD destination, the desert is located within the driest region of Australia, lightly vegetated with red sand dunes and salt-crusted lakes. A completely isolated environment, where there is little control over personal choice, the desert provides a striking reflection of the challenges that young people with high physical support needs face daily.

The FKG Group has been a firm supporter of Youngcare for a decade, with our Managing Director Nick Gardner completing the challenge in 2013, leading the way for many other FKG team members to take on the challenge. This year, Paul Mochan from our Civil team participated, raising $69,000 and taking the FKG Group’s tally to over $700K in donations to the organisation!

Youngcare is a charity that tackles a national issue – young people with high physical support needs being left behind in unsuitable accommodation such as aged care, hospitals, and long-term rehabilitation. Many more are also living at home with elderly parents, leaving them at risk of entering inappropriate housing in the future.

Like everyone, young Australians with high physical support needs deserve the freedom to choose where they live, who they live with and how they live their lives. Youngcare is making this happen by creating change with housing, grants and free support.

The FKG Group team is proud to partner with this initiative and look forward to continuing our support of Youngcare in the future.